Boathouse 4 is an industrial shed in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which was originally built during WWII for the restoration of boats. The owners, Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust, wanted to realise its potential and promote its historic value as a timber boatbuilding enterprise, upholding teaching skills that would otherwise be lost. 

Following a successful HLF Stage 1 bid and an invited competition Walters & Cohen was appointed in December 2012. Our design for a multi-purpose facility reuses the existing building, whose prominent location makes it an important gateway to the dockyard. The building houses a boatbuilding academy, exhibition space and cafe, making it a pleasant destination for visitors. The cafe, on a new mezzanine level, overlooks the exhibition area and provides views to Gosport, making the most of the site and location.

We have taken advantage of and retained the industrial feel of the building, resolving issues of safety and noise by enclosing certain areas of the boatbuilding academy, and leaving as much on view as possible for a quality visitor experience.
 

Photo Credits: Dennis Gilbert/VIEW